It is finally that time of year again, where the leaves are crackling underneath our feet and the air is chilly. Halloween is fast approaching, and while things may look a little different this year, read on to find some of my favourite Halloween titles in our catalogue for babies to tweens.

This year, WPL has made Halloween Surprise Bags! Visit your favourite WPL location on any Saturday in October to pick up a special bag full of treats and a Halloween craft to make at home. Costumes optional, but very encouraged.

— Jackie M.

Board Books (0 to 3-year olds)

If You’re Spooky and You Know It by Aly Fronis & Illustrated by Jannie Ho

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” gets a Halloween makeover in this delightful board book. This makes a great sing along with the cutest monsters you have ever seen.

I Am Scary by Elise Gravel

A truly terrifying creature is no match for the fearless little girl in this story. Spoilers – the creature is silly, and this little board book will have your little one giggling, like anything written by Montreal based writer Elise Gravel.

Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton

I love Pookie, and Sandra Boynton can do no wrong. A charming and cute little Halloween rhyming story featuring Pookie the Pig, who cannot decide what costume to wear for Halloween.

Picture Books (4 to 8-year olds)

Pick A Pumpkin by Patricia Toht, Illustrated by Jarvis

This rhyming story captures the joy of picking a pumpkin out at the farm, to carving jack o-lanterns with bright and glittery illustrations!

Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson

Sir Simon, the cutest ghost ever, is finally ready to haunt his first house. He runs into a few bumps along the way, and makes a friend in a young boy that lives there! This funny, how-to book will have you howling to the moon.

Non-Fiction (Ages: 8 and up)

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey, Illustrated by Júlia Sardà

This intricately illustrated biography of Mary Shelley is a wonderful introduction to an incredible woman and writer. She was only 18 when she wrote Frankenstein, and created science fiction as we know and love it today. Inspire the young spooky writers in your life with this beautiful book.

Dr. Ernest Drake’s Monsterology : the complete book of monstrous beasts by Ernest Drake

Step inside this magical and secret world of monsters in this interactive activity book! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and getting lost in the underworld of magical secret societies.

Monster Science : could monsters survive (and thrive!) in the real world? by Helaine Becker; illustrated by Phil McAndrew

For the budding spooky scientists, this book is a must read for the ins and outs of the scientific possibilities of iconic monsters like Frankenstein, werewolves, and vampires could ever exist! Good for kids 8 and up.

Junior Fiction Chapter Books (Ages: 8 to 12)

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz; illustrated by Stephen Gammell

A creepy classic! These stories and illustrations are haunting, many that are based on familiar urban legends and folklore. The original is much better than the movie, trust me.

Bloom by Kenneth Oppel

The newest series from Kenneth Oppel is a creepy adventure-horror-mystery set on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. Bloom follows three teenagers who are somehow immune to an invasive and toxic plant species that is taking over their town. What could these plants be and how can they save their town? Make sure to check this one out for the tweens 8-12 who loved Stranger Things or The Last Kids on Earth.

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

Eleven-year-old Ollie must brave the woods after getting stranded on a class field trip. To survive she must stay to small spaces to hide from The Smiling Man. This creepy read is perfect for kids who like I Survived, ghost stories, and autumnal foggy small-town environments. Recommended for kids 10 and up.

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love

This technologically advanced kid’s thriller follows 13-year-old Alex and his grandfather on the run from robot assassins across Europe. Need I say more? This book is a fast-paced, atmospheric quest perfect for kids who loved Artemis Fowl, The Secret Keepers, and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Graphic Novels (Ages: 8 to 12)

Beetle & The Hollowbones by Aliza Layne

This brand-new graphic novel is an incredibly funny, action-packed, and intricately illustrated story of Beetle, a goblin and witch at a Hogwarts-like school, who must go on a quest with her sort of ex-best friend Kat, to fight against an evil witch. I highly recommend it for kids who loved Hilda and The Witch Boy. Extra points for effortless LGBTQ+ representation!

The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo by Drew Weing

This underrated gripping and funny graphic novel is one of a kind. Margo Maloo is a monster mediator, and new kid in town, Charles, needs her help after finding a monster in his closet. Think Harriet the Spy meets Bone.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Leyh, a long time Lumberjanes illustrator, has written her first full-length graphic novel! Snap enlists the help of Jacks, her town’s “roadkill witch” to help her save an opossum family. Who is Jacks, really? And do Snap and Jacks have more in common than she thinks? Snapdragon is a perfect blend of colourful art, caring for animals, family, and friends, topped off with a witchy-haunted thread connecting it all.